Lovebirds are monogamous, but it’s their habit of sitting beside another and cuddling that has made them such a strong image of love.

Here’s a different take on the traditional story. We’re all for flowers, candy and romantic dinners, but how did “lovebirds” become symbolic?

Smithsonian Magazine reports lovebirds take similar approaches to amore, starting with courtship behavior that continues throughout their lifespans. They’re also known to exhibit erratic behavior should a mate die or become separated from the flock.

If separated, one way they reconnect is by feeding each other. According to the magazine, “One bird transfers food to the mouth of its mate, a feeding technique reminiscent of affection in humans — hence the inspiration for the parrots’ name.”

The bat house off John Knox Road has become something of a local attraction. People gather every night to watch the bats fly out to hunt. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Prater)

Did you know bats are the only mammal that can fly? There probably are many things you don’t know about bats because they are rarely seen and often misunderstood.

One bat fact Tallahassee residents should all appreciate is their ability to eat 3,000 mosquitoes in one night!

If you want a glimpse of this mysterious mammal, check out the bat house – which houses up to 40,000 bats – on the new Centre of Tallahassee’s east side. Plan to go near sunset, when the bats start out for their evening hunt. For more information, visit the Florida Bat Conservancy’s website.

Each year, the St. Francis Wildlife Association receives and cares for approximately 3,000 animals. (Photo courtesy of St. Francis Wildlife Association)

Wildlife is abundant throughout North Florida, and thanks to the St. Francis Wildlife Assocation in Havana many of those animals are getting a second chance.

From injured, orphaned and sick animals of all types, St. Francis is dedicated to the succcessful rehabilition of these wonderful, wild animals. Whether it be deer, fox or an injured hawk or eagle, St. Francis works to return these creatures to the wild where they get another opportunity to live the life they were meant to live.

Brian Yablonski is the chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). (Photo courtesy of Brian Yablonski)

The bears are coming, and they are hungry. That’s especially true in the fall during hyperphagia – a period when they bulk up for the lean months ahead. Bears are food opportunists. The easy meal is the best meal, which they often find in neighborhoods in unsecured trash.

Encounters like these can be dangerous not only for people, but also for bears. FWC is working with state and local partners to encourage communities to become more BearWise through bear resistant trash containers and other practices that seek to reduce conflicts.